Kirk Cousins’ Time in Atlanta Comes to an End
Kirk Cousins’ stint with the Atlanta Falcons will be cut short in a few weeks. Falcons General Manager Ian Cunningham announced during the NFL Scouting Combine that the team intends to release the veteran quarterback on March 11th. This decision, while not entirely unexpected, marks a significant shift for the Falcons’ quarterback situation.
“I did talk to Kirk and his representation, Mike McCartney, letting them know that we will release him on the first day of the league year,” Cunningham stated. “We just felt that that was out of respect for Kirk and Mike, his agent, and what he’s done in his career, just that we owe that to him to allow him some clarity going into free agency.”
A Salary Cap Move and a Look Towards the Future
The impending release follows a recent restructuring of Cousins’ four-year, $180 million contract signed in 2024. This modification signaled Atlanta’s desire for salary-cap flexibility as they navigate the offseason. The move allows the Falcons to reassess their options at the quarterback position and potentially invest in other areas of the team.
Cousins’ Performance and the Penix Factor
Despite the release, Cousins expressed a sense of rejuvenation after starting the final seven games of the 2025 season in place of an injured Michael Penix Jr. He led the Falcons to a 5-2 record during that stretch, showcasing his continued ability to perform at a high level. However, Penix’s recovery from a partially torn ACL complicates the quarterback landscape. While Penix aims to be ready for Week 1, Falcons president of football, Matt Ryan, hasn’t definitively committed to him as the long-term starter.
A New Era for Atlanta and Cousins’ Next Chapter
Head coach Kevin Stefanski will begin his tenure in Atlanta without Cousins, a familiar face from their time together in Minnesota, where Cousins earned his second Pro Bowl under Stefanski’s offensive coordination. As Cousins approaches his 15th NFL season and his 38th birthday (August 19th), he’s poised to hit free agency once again, seeking another opportunity to lead a team.
Other NFL News & Updates
- Zach Ertz: The tight end plans to return for a 14th NFL season in 2026, expecting clearance around Week 1.
- DeMarvion Overshown: The Cowboys linebacker faces a make-or-break campaign as Dallas seeks to improve its defense.
- C.J. Stroud: The Houston Texans quarterback reflected on the importance of adversity during an appearance at the Global Humanitarian Awards.
- George Pickens: The Dallas Cowboys are reportedly leaning towards using the franchise tag on wide receiver George Pickens.
- Kyle Pitts: The Atlanta Falcons plan to use their franchise tag on tight end Kyle Pitts.
- Tush Push: The NFL competition committee doesn’t anticipate proposing a ban on the “tush push” play this offseason.
- Cameron Jordan: The veteran defensive end is heading into free agency.
- Tyler Shough: The New Orleans Saints are optimistic about the future with rookie quarterback Tyler Shough.
- Brian Thomas Jr.: The Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver is focused on growth after a challenging second season.
- Breece Hall: The New York Jets running back may be seeking a change of scenery as he approaches free agency.
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